Luminescent solar collector

ABSTRACT

A luminescent solar collector comprises a sheet and a light energy converter operatively connected to the sheet, the sheet comprising a thermoplastic polymer and dispersed therein at least two dyes A and B; wherein dye A is a fluorescent dye of Formula (I) and dye B is either a perylene dye of Formula (II) or a diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III): 
                         
wherein R, m, R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , and k are as described herein. The luminescent solar collector has improved output.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to Ser. No. 12/194,097 entitled “LUMINESCENT SOLAR COLLECTOR” and filed on Aug. 19, 2008; Ser. No. 12/194,136 entitled “LUMINESCENT SOLAR COLLECTOR” and filed on Aug. 19, 2008; and 12/194,199 entitled “LUMINESCENT SOLAR COLLECTOR” and filed on Aug. 19, 2008. These three related applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to luminescent solar collectors. In particular, it relates to methods of increasing the concentration of light at the edge of such a solar collector to produce enhanced amounts of electrical power.

Luminescent solar collectors (LSCs), or luminescent solar concentrators, are beneficial for capturing solar energy for use. An LSC usually comprises a sheet, generally a molded polymer, having a surface area. Dispersed, dissolved, or doped within the sheet is a fluorescent material. When the sheet is exposed to light (radiation energy), the material absorbs a portion of the light and emits the absorbed light energy at different, longer wavelengths. This light is then transported, via total internal reflection, to at least one edge of the sheet. The concentration of light from a large surface area to a smaller surface area (the edge) is also known as the “edge glow” effect. Due to this effect, the amount of light (i.e. energy) available at the edge is related to the total surface area of the sheet. A light energy converter, such as a silicon photocell, can be attached to at least one edge of the LSC to convert the light energy transmitted thereto into electricity. This enables the LSC to concentrate the maximum amount of light at its edge or edges to generate more electrical power.

One type of fluorescent material used in luminescent solar collectors is Lumogen® F Red 300, commercially available from BASF. However, Lumogen® F Red 300 poorly absorbs wavelengths around 480 nanometers at lower concentrations. It would be desirable to capture light energy around these wavelengths as well to increase the efficiency of the LSC by increasing the amount of electrical power produced with the same surface area. In addition, these wavelengths give the LSC a red color to the human eye and also allow the LSC sheet to be somewhat visibly transparent. Capturing this energy would reduce the red color of the LSC sheet and make the LSC sheet more opaque, resulting in the better shielding of structural and accessory features, such as connection materials, wiring, etc., from view.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Disclosed, in various embodiments, are fluorescent dyes suitable for use in luminescent solar collectors, methods for making such dye compounds, and luminescent solar collectors comprising such compounds. These luminescent solar collectors gather greater amounts of light energy.

Disclosed in embodiments is a luminescent solar collector comprising a sheet and a light energy converter operatively connected to the sheet;

-   -   the sheet comprising a thermoplastic polymer and dispersed         therein at least two dyes A and B;     -   wherein dye A is a fluorescent dye of Formula (I) and     -   dye B is either a perylene dye of Formula (II) or a         diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III):

wherein R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected from C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and substituted C₆-C₂₀ aryl; each R is independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, and halogen; m represents the number of R substitutents on each phenoxy ring, and each m is independently an integer from 0 to 5; each R⁴ is independently selected from halogen, cyano, carbamoyl, C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and C₂-C₆ alkoxycarbonyl; k represents the number of R² substitutents on each phenyl ring, and each k is independently an integer from 0 to 5;

-   -   wherein the two dyes A and B each absorb light and radiate the         absorbed light at a longer wavelength, and the sheet is         configured to transmit the radiated light to the light energy         converter; and     -   wherein the two dyes A and B together comprise from 0.001 to 1         weight percent of the sheet, and the weight ratio of dye A to         dye B is from about 1 to about 5.

Each R of Formula (I) may be independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl.

The dye A may have a maximum absorption wavelength of from 520 nm to 600 nm, and the dye B may have a maximum absorption wavelength of from 400 nm to 540 nm.

In more specific embodiments, the weight ratio of dye A to dye B may be from 2 to 4.

The luminescent solar collector may have an edge emission output of about 350 W/m² or greater when measured using a sheet of dimensions 60 mm×60 mm×3.2 mm and exposed to a radiation intensity of about 1000 W/m². The thermoplastic polymer may be a polycarbonate polymer or polymethyl methacrylate.

In some embodiments, dye A is of Formula (Ia) and the perylene dye is of Formula (IIa):

wherein each R′ is independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, and hydrogen. In particular embodiments, each R′ is independently selected from C₁-C₅ alkyl.

The dye A and the dye B may be:

Alternatively, dye B may be:

In additional embodiments, a luminescent solar collector is disclosed which comprises a sheet and a light energy converter operatively connected to the sheet;

-   -   the sheet comprising a thermoplastic polymer and dispersed         therein a fluorescent dye of Formula (I) and a perylene dye of         Formula (IIa):

wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and substituted C₆-C₂₀ aryl; each R is independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, and halogen; m represents the number of R substitutents on each phenoxy ring, and each m is independently an integer from 0 to 5; and each R′ is independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, and hydrogen;

-   -   wherein the fluorescent dye and perylene dye each absorb light         and radiate the absorbed light at a longer wavelength, and the         sheet is configured to transmit the radiated light to the light         energy converter; and     -   wherein the fluorescent dye and perylene dye together comprise         from 0.001 to 1 weight percent of the sheet, and the weight         ratio of fluorescent dye to perylene dye is from about 1 to         about 5.

In further embodiments, a luminescent solar collector is disclosed which comprises a sheet and a light energy converter operatively connected to the sheet;

-   -   the sheet comprising a thermoplastic polymer and dispersed         therein a fluorescent dye of Formula (Ib) and a         diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (IIIa):

-   -   wherein the fluorescent dye and diketopyrrolopyrrole dye each         absorb light and radiate the absorbed light at a longer         wavelength, and the sheet is configured to transmit the radiated         light to the light energy converter; and     -   wherein the fluorescent dye and diketopyrrolopyrrole dye         together comprise from 0.001 to 1 weight percent of the sheet,         and the weight ratio of fluorescent dye to diketopyrrolopyrrole         dye is from about 1 to about 5.

In yet other embodiments, a luminescent solar collector is disclosed which comprises a sheet and a light energy converter operatively connected to the sheet;

-   -   wherein the sheet comprises a first layer and a second layer;     -   the first layer comprises a first thermoplastic polymer and a         fluorescent dye A of Formula (I) dispersed therein; and     -   the second layer comprises a second thermoplastic polymer and a         dye B dispersed therein, wherein dye B is either a perylene dye         of Formula (II) or a diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III):

wherein R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected from C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and substituted C₆-C₂₀ aryl; each R is independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, and halogen; m represents the number of R substitutents on each phenoxy ring, and each m is independently an integer from 0 to 5; each R⁴ is independently selected from halogen, cyano, carbamoyl, C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and C₂-C₆ alkoxycarbonyl; k represents the number of R² substitutents on each phenyl ring, and each k is independently an integer from 0 to 5;

-   -   wherein the sheet is configured to transmit light radiated by         dye A and dye B to the light energy converter; and     -   wherein the two dyes A and B together comprise from 0.001 to 1         weight percent of the sheet, and the weight ratio of dye A to         dye B is from about 1 to about 5.

In further embodiments, a coating contains dyes A and B, wherein dyes A and B are as described above. Alternatively, a thin film includes dyes A and B, wherein dyes A and B are as described above.

In still further embodiments, a construction comprises a transparent substrate attached to a dye selected from the dyes of Formulas (I), (II), or (III). In particular embodiments, the transparent substrate is glass.

These and other non-limiting characteristics of the luminescent solar collectors of the present disclosure are more particularly described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a brief description of the drawings, which are presented for the purposes of illustrating the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein and not for the purposes of limiting the same.

FIG. 1 is an elevated view of a luminescent solar collector.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of the luminescent solar collector.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of the luminescent solar collector.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the transmission spectra of various loadings of dye.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the transmission spectra of exemplary plaques with dyes according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is another graph showing the transmission spectra of other exemplary plaques with dyes according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is another graph showing the transmission spectra of other exemplary plaques with dyes according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A more complete understanding of the components, processes and apparatuses disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and are, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

Numerical values in the specification and claims of this application, particularly as they relate to polymer compositions, reflect average values for a composition that may contain individual polymers of different characteristics. Furthermore, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of conventional measurement technique of the type described in the present application to determine the value.

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of desired embodiments and the examples included therein. In the following specification and the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined to have the following meanings.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited endpoint and independently combinable (for example, the range of “from 2 grams to 10 grams” is inclusive of the endpoints, 2 grams and 10 grams, and all the intermediate values).

The modifier “about” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (for example, it includes at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity).

The term “integer” means a whole number and includes zero. For example, the expression “n is an integer from 0 to 5” means n may be any whole number from 0 to 5, including 0.

Compounds are described using standard nomenclature. For example, any position not substituted by any indicated group is understood to have its valency filled by a bond as indicated, or a hydrogen atom. A dash (“-”) that is not between two letters or symbols is used to indicate a point of attachment for a substituent. For example, the aldehyde group —CHO is attached through the carbon of the carbonyl group.

The term “aliphatic” refers to a linear or branched array of atoms that is not cyclic and has a valence of at least one. Aliphatic groups are defined to comprise at least one carbon atom. The array of atoms may include heteroatoms such as nitrogen, sulfur, silicon, selenium and oxygen or may be composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen (“Alkyl”). Aliphatic groups may be substituted or unsubstituted. Exemplary aliphatic groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, chloromethyl, hydroxymethyl (—CH₂OH), mercaptomethyl (—CH₂SH), methoxy, methoxycarbonyl (CH₃OCO—), nitromethyl (—CH₂NO₂), and thiocarbonyl.

The term “alkyl” refers to a linear or branched array of atoms that is composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen. The array of atoms may include single bonds, double bonds, or triple bonds (typically referred to as alkane, alkene, or alkyne). Alkyl groups may be substituted or unsubstituted. Exemplary alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl.

The terms “aromatic” and “aryl” refer to an array of atoms having a valence of at least one and comprising at least one aromatic group. The array of atoms may include heteroatoms such as nitrogen, sulfur, selenium, silicon and oxygen, or may be composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen. The aromatic group may also include nonaromatic components. For example, a benzyl group is an aromatic group that comprises a phenyl ring (the aromatic component) and a methylene group (the nonaromatic component). Exemplary aromatic groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, pyridyl, furanyl, thienyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-chloromethylphen-1-yl, and 3-trichloromethylphen-1-yl (3-CCl₃Ph-).

The terms “cycloaliphatic” and “cycloalkyl” refer to an array of atoms which is cyclic but which is not aromatic. The cycloaliphatic group may include heteroatoms such as nitrogen, sulfur, selenium, silicon and oxygen, or may be composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen. A cycloalkyl group is composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen. A cycloaliphatic group may comprise one or more noncyclic components. For example, a cyclohexylmethyl group (C₆H₁₁CH₂) is a cycloaliphatic functionality, which comprises a cyclohexyl ring (the array of atoms which is cyclic but which is not aromatic) and a methylene group (the noncyclic component). Exemplary cycloaliphatic groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, 1,1,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutyl, piperidinyl, and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperydinyl.

The term “alkoxy” refers to an array of atoms containing an alkyl group and an oxygen atom at one end. Alkyl groups may be substituted or unsubstituted. Exemplary alkoxy groups include methoxy (—OCH₃) and ethoxy(—OCH₂CH₃). A related group is “phenoxy,” which refers to a phenyl group having an oxygen atom attached to one carbon. The phenoxy group may also be substituted or unsubstituted.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a luminescent solar collector (LSC) 10 comprises a sheet (or panel) 20. The sheet or panel has two opposing surfaces 30, 40. The opposing surfaces 30, 40 are joined by at least one edge 50. For the sheet depicted, there are three additional connecting edges 60, 70, 80. The sheet comprises a thermoplastic polymer and fluorescent dye molecules 100, 105 dispersed evenly therein. A light energy converter, such as a photocell 90, is mounted or operatively connected to the at least one connecting edge 50 to convert the light to electricity. For example, the operative connection may be made by means including, but not limited to, glueing the converter to the edge, mounting it in a slit, or by positioning it along the edge. Edge emission may be measured in wafts per square meter (W/m²). It is measured where the operative connection to the light energy converter is made. In this embodiment, the edge emission is measured at the connecting edge 50. The area in the denominator is that of the edge 50, not that of the surface 30.

As explained above, light 110 is absorbed by the fluorescent dye molecules 100, 105. The dye molecules 100, 105 then emit light 120, 125 with a Stokes shift (i.e. towards a higher wavelength). The emitted light, due to total internal reflection, is guided towards the edge 50 of the sheet where the photocell 90 is located. The other edges 60, 70, 80 may be coated, for example with a mirror coating to reflect light towards edge 50 as well. An opposing surface 40 may also be coated to reflect light as well.

The sheet 20 is wide in two dimensions and thinner in the third dimension (its thickness). The opposing surfaces 30, 40 of the sheet 20 are generally parallel to each other, but need not be. It is also contemplated that the sheet 20 may be molded into various shapes. For example, the sheet may have the shape of a pyramidal frustum, a box, or as the surface of a hemisphere. The sheet may also vary in thickness. In particular embodiments, the sheet is planar. This shape is contemplated for use, for example, on the side or rooftop of a building, such as a house.

Referring to FIG. 3, in a second exemplary embodiment, the sheet 20 has a dual-layer structure, comprising a first layer 200 and a second layer 300. The first layer 200 comprises a first thermoplastic polymer and first fluorescent dye molecules 210. The second layer 300 comprises second thermoplastic layer and second fluorescent dye molecules 310. As shown here, the second layer 300 is located so that it lies between the first layer 200 and the source of radiation 400, such as the sun, but the first and second layers may also be reversed. An optional backing layer 500 is also shown here beneath the first layer 200. Generally, the backing layer will be the layer furthest from the source of radiation 400. The backing layer is reflective; for example, it may be a white color. The backing layer causes any unabsorbed light energy to pass through the sheet a second time, increasing the probability of capturing the light energy. The backing layer can also be used on a single-layer sheet.

The luminescent solar collectors of the present disclosure comprise a sheet and a light energy converter operatively connected to the sheet. The sheet of the LSC comprises a thermoplastic polymer and at least two dyes A and B. Dye A is a fluorescent dye of Formula (I). Dye B is either a perylene dye of Formula (II) or a diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III).

Types of thermoplastic polymers that are useful comprise polycarbonates, including homopolycarbonates, copolycarbonates, polyester-polycarbonates, and polysiloxane-polycarbonates; polyesters including poly(alkylene terephthalate); polyetherimides; polysiloxane-polyetherimides; polyphenylene ethers; polyolefins; addition polymers, including homopolymers and copolymers, especially homopolymers of alkenylaromatic compounds, such as polystyrenes, and copolymers of alkenylaromatic compounds, such as impact modified poly(alkenylaromatic) copolymers with ethylenically unsaturated nitrites, and poly(meth)acrylates, particularly polymethyl methacrylate.

In particular embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer is a polycarbonate. As used herein, the terms “polycarbonate” and “polycarbonate resin” mean compositions having repeating structural carbonate units of the formula (1):

in which at least 60 percent of the total number of R¹ groups are aromatic organic radicals and the balance thereof are aliphatic, alicyclic, or aromatic radicals. In one embodiment, each R¹ is an aromatic organic radical, for example a radical of the formula (2): -A¹-Y¹-A²-  (2) wherein each of A¹ and A² is a monocyclic divalent aryl radical and Y¹ is a bridging radical having one or two atoms that separate A¹ from A². In an exemplary embodiment, one atom separates A¹ from A². Illustrative non-limiting examples of radicals of this type are —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —C(O)—, methylene, cyclohexyl-methylene, 2-[2.2.1]-bicycloheptylidene, ethylidene, isopropylidene, neopentylidene, cyclohexylidene, cyclopentadecylidene, cyclododecylidene, and adamantylidene. The bridging radical Y¹ may be a hydrocarbon group or a saturated hydrocarbon group such as methylene, cyclohexylidene, or isopropylidene.

Polycarbonates may be produced by the interfacial reaction of dihydroxy compounds having the formula HO—R¹—OH, which includes dihydroxy compounds of formula (3) HO-A¹-Y¹-A²-OH  (3) wherein Y¹, A¹ and A² are as described above. Also included are bisphenol compounds of general formula (4):

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) each represent a halogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group and may be the same or different; p and q are each independently integers of 0 to 4; and X^(a) represents one of the groups of formula (5):

wherein R^(c) and R^(d) each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent linear or cyclic hydrocarbon group and R^(e) is a divalent hydrocarbon group.

In an embodiment, a heteroatom-containing cyclic alkylidene group comprises at least one heteroatom with a valency of 2 or greater, and at least two carbon atoms. Heteroatoms for use in the heteroatom-containing cyclic alkylidene group include —O—, —S—, and —N(Z)—, where Z is a substituent group selected from hydrogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₁₋₁₂ alkoxy, or C₁₋₁₂ acyl. Where present, the cyclic alkylidene group or heteroatom-containing cyclic alkylidene group may have 3 to 20 atoms, and may be a single saturated or unsaturated ring, or fused polycyclic ring system wherein the fused rings are saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic.

Other bisphenols containing substituted or unsubstituted cyclohexane units can be used, for example bisphenols of formula (6):

wherein each R^(f) is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, or halogen; and each R^(g) is independently hydrogen or C₁₋₁₂ alkyl. The substituents may be aliphatic or aromatic, straight chain, cyclic, bicyclic, branched, saturated, or unsaturated. Such cyclohexane-containing bisphenols, for example the reaction product of two moles of a phenol with one mole of a hydrogenated isophorone, are useful for making polycarbonate polymers with high glass transition temperatures and high heat distortion temperatures. Cyclohexyl bisphenol containing polycarbonates, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing with other bisphenol polycarbonates, are supplied by Bayer Co. under the APEC® trade name.

Other useful dihydroxy compounds having the formula HO—R¹—OH include aromatic dihydroxy compounds of formula (7):

wherein each R^(h) is independently a halogen atom, a C₁₋₁₀ hydrocarbyl such as a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl group, a halogen substituted C₁₋₁₀ hydrocarbyl such as a halogen-substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl group, and n is 0 to 4. The halogen is usually bromine.

Specific examples of bisphenol compounds that may be represented by formula (3) include 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) methane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane (hereinafter “bisphenol-A” or “BPA”), 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) octane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) n-butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-1-methylphenyl) propane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-t-butylphenyl) propane, 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) phthalimidine, 2-phenyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) phthalimidine (PPPBP), and 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)cyclohexane (DMBPC). Combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing dihydroxy compounds may also be used.

In a specific embodiment, the polycarbonate is a linear homopolymer derived from bisphenol-A, in which each of A¹ and A² is p-phenylene and Y¹ is isopropylidene. The polycarbonates may have an intrinsic viscosity, as determined in chloroform at 25° C., of from about 0.3 to about 1.5 deciliters per gram (dl/g), specifically from about 0.45 to about 1.0 dl/g. The polycarbonates may have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of from about 10,000 to about 100,000, as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using a crosslinked styrene-divinyl benzene column, at a sample concentration of 1 milligram per milliliter, and as calibrated with polycarbonate standards.

In an embodiment, the polycarbonate has a melt volume flow rate (often abbreviated MVR). The MVR measures the rate at which a thermoplastic passes vertically through a capillary under a defined weight load. The MVR is measured in cubic cm per 10 minutes (cc/10 min). Polycarbonates useful for the formation of thin articles may have an MVR, measured at 300° C. under a load of 1.2 kg according to ASTM D1238-04, of from about 0.5 to about 80 cubic centimeters per 10 minutes (cc/10 min). In a specific embodiment, a useful polycarbonate composition has an MVR measured at 300° C. under a load of 1.2 kg according to ASTM D1238-04, of from about 0.5 to about 50 cc/10 min, specifically from about 0.5 to about 25 cc/10 min, and more specifically from about 1 to about 15 cc/10 min. Mixtures of polycarbonates of different flow properties may be used to achieve the overall desired flow property.

The polycarbonate may have a light transmittance greater than or equal to about 55%, specifically greater than or equal to about 60% and more specifically greater than or equal to about 70%, as measured using a molded article of 3.2±0.12 millimeters thickness and consisting of the polycarbonate, according to ASTM D1003-00. The polycarbonate may also have a haze less than or equal to about 5%, specifically less than or equal to about 4%, and most specifically less than or equal to about 3%, as measured using a molded article having dimensions of 60 mm×60 mm and 3.2±0.12 millimeters thickness and consisting of the polycarbonate, according to ASTM D1003-00.

“Polycarbonates” and “polycarbonate resins” as used herein further include homopolycarbonates, copolymers comprising different R¹ moieties in the carbonate (referred to herein as “copolycarbonates”), copolymers comprising carbonate units and other types of polymer units, such as ester units, polysiloxane units, and combinations comprising at least one of homopolycarbonates and copolycarbonates. As used herein, “combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. A specific type of copolymer is a polyester carbonate, also known as a polyester-polycarbonate. Such copolymers further contain, in addition to recurring carbonate chain units of the formula (1), repeating units of formula (8):

wherein R² is a divalent group derived from a dihydroxy compound, and may be, for example, a C₂₋₁₀ alkylene group, a C₆₋₂₀ alicyclic group, a C₆₋₂₀ aromatic group or a polyoxyalkylene group in which the alkylene groups contain 2 to about 6 carbon atoms, specifically 2, 3, or 4 carbon atoms; and T divalent group derived from a dicarboxylic acid, and may be, for example, a C₂₋₁₀ alkylene group, a C₆₋₂₀ alicyclic group, a C₆₋₂₀ alkyl aromatic group, or a C₆₋₂₀ aromatic group.

In an embodiment, R² is a C₂₋₃₀ alkylene group having a straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic (including polycyclic) structure. In another embodiment, R² is derived from an aromatic dihydroxy compound of formula (4) above. In another embodiment, R² is derived from an aromatic dihydroxy compound of formula (7) above.

Polycarbonates can be manufactured by processes such as interfacial polymerization and melt polymerization. Although the reaction conditions for interfacial polymerization may vary, an exemplary process generally involves dissolving or dispersing a dihydric phenol reactant in aqueous caustic soda or potash, adding the resulting mixture to a suitable water-immiscible solvent medium, and contacting the reactants with a carbonate precursor in the presence of a catalyst such as triethylamine or a phase transfer catalyst, under controlled pH conditions, e.g., about 8 to about 10. The most commonly used water immiscible solvents include methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, chlorobenzene, toluene, and the like.

Carbonate precursors include, for example, a carbonyl halide such as carbonyl bromide or carbonyl chloride, or a haloformate such as a bishaloformates of a dihydric phenol (e.g., the bischloroformates of bisphenol-A, hydroquinone, or the like) or a glycol (e.g., the bishaloformate of ethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, polyethylene glycol, or the like). Combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing types of carbonate precursors may also be used. In an exemplary embodiment, an interfacial polymerization reaction to form carbonate linkages uses phosgene as a carbonate precursor, and is referred to as a phosgenation reaction.

Among the phase transfer catalysts that may be used are catalysts of the formula (R³)₄Q⁺X, wherein each R³ is the same or different, and is a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl group; Q is a nitrogen or phosphorus atom; and X is a halogen atom or a C₁₋₈ alkoxy group or C₆₋₁₈ aryloxy group. Useful phase transfer catalysts include, for example, [CH₃(CH₂)₃]₄NX, [CH₃(CH₂)₃]₄PX, [CH₃(CH₂)₅]₄NX, [CH₃(CH₂)₆]₄NX, [CH₃(CH₂)₄]₄NX, CH₃[CH₃(CH₂)₃]₃NX, and CH₃[CH₃(CH₂)₂]₃NX, wherein X is Cl⁻, Br⁻, a C₁₋₈ alkoxy group or a C₆₋₁₈ aryloxy group. An effective amount of a phase transfer catalyst may be about 0.1 to about 10 wt % based on the weight of bisphenol in the phosgenation mixture. In another embodiment an effective amount of phase transfer catalyst may be about 0.5 to about 2 wt % based on the weight of bisphenol in the phosgenation mixture.

Branched polycarbonate blocks may be prepared by adding a branching agent during polymerization. These branching agents include polyfunctional organic compounds containing at least three functional groups selected from hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxylic anhydride, haloformyl, and mixtures of the foregoing functional groups. Specific examples include trimellitic acid, trimellitic anhydride, trimellitic trichloride, tris-p-hydroxy phenyl ethane, isatin-bis-phenol, tris-phenol TC (1,3,5-tris((p-hydroxyphenyl)isopropyl)benzene), tris-phenol PA (4(4(1,1-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl) alpha, alpha-dimethyl benzyl)phenol), 4-chloroformyl phthalic anhydride, trimesic acid, and benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid. The branching agents may be added at a level of about 0.05 to about 2.0 wt %. Mixtures comprising linear polycarbonates and branched polycarbonates may be used.

A chain stopper (also referred to as a capping agent) may be included during polymerization. The chain stopper controls molecular weight in the polycarbonate. Exemplary chain stoppers include certain mono-phenolic compounds, mono-carboxylic acid chlorides, and/or mono-chloroformates.

Alternatively, melt processes may be used to make the polycarbonates. Generally, in the melt polymerization process, polycarbonates may be prepared by co-reacting, in a molten state, the dihydroxy reactant(s) and a diaryl carbonate ester, such as diphenyl carbonate, in the presence of a transesterification catalyst in a Banbury® mixer, twin screw extruder, or the like to form a uniform dispersion. Volatile monohydric phenol is removed from the molten reactants by distillation and the polymer is isolated as a molten residue. A specifically useful melt process for making polycarbonates uses a diaryl carbonate ester having electron-withdrawing substituents on the aryls. Melt processes are generally carried out in a series of stirred tank reactors. The reaction can be carried out by either a batch mode or a continuous mode. The apparatus in which the reaction is carried out can be any suitable tank, tube, or column. Continuous processes usually involve the use of one or more continuous-stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) and one or more finishing reactors.

Polyester-polycarbonates may also be prepared by interfacial polymerization. Rather than utilizing the dicarboxylic acid per se, it is possible, and sometimes even preferred, to employ the reactive derivatives of the acid, such as the corresponding acid halides, in particular the acid dichlorides and the acid dibromides. Thus, for example instead of using isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, it is possible to employ isophthaloyl dichloride, terephthaloyl dichloride, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

In addition to the polycarbonates described above, combinations of the polycarbonate with other thermoplastic polymers, for example combinations of homopolycarbonates and/or polycarbonate copolymers with polyesters, may be used. Useful polyesters may include, for example, polyesters having repeating units of formula (8), which include poly(alkylene dicarboxylates), liquid crystalline polyesters, and polyester copolymers. The polyesters described herein are generally completely miscible with the polycarbonates when blended.

Useful polyesters may include aromatic polyesters, poly(alkylene esters) including poly(alkylene arylates), and poly(cycloalkylene diesters). Aromatic polyesters may have a polyester structure according to formula (8), wherein D and T are each aromatic groups as described hereinabove. Also contemplated are aromatic polyesters with a minor amount, e.g., about 0.5 to about 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the polyester, of units derived from an aliphatic diacid and/or an aliphatic polyol to make copolyesters. Poly(alkylene arylates) may have a polyester structure according to formula (8), wherein T comprises groups derived from aromatic dicarboxylates, cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids, or derivatives thereof. Specifically, where T is 1,4-phenylene, the poly(alkylene arylate) is a poly(alkylene terephthalate). Examples of poly(alkylene terephthalates) include poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) (PBT), and poly(propylene terephthalate) (PPT). Also useful are poly(alkylene naphthoates), such as poly(ethylene naphthanoate) (PEN), and poly(butylene naphthanoate) (PBN). A useful poly(cycloalkylene diester) is poly(cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT). Combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing polyesters may also be used.

Copolymers comprising alkylene terephthalate repeating ester units with other ester groups may also be useful. Useful ester units may include different alkylene terephthalate units, which can be present in the polymer chain as individual units, or as blocks of poly(alkylene terephthalates). Specific examples of such copolymers include poly(cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate)-co-poly(ethylene terephthalate), abbreviated as PETG where the polymer comprises greater than or equal to 50 mol % of poly(ethylene terephthalate), and abbreviated as PCTG where the polymer comprises greater than 50 mol % of poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate).

Poly(cycloalkylene diester)s may also include poly(alkylene cyclohexanedicarboxylate)s. Of these, a specific example is poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate) (PCCD), having recurring units of formula (9):

wherein, as described using formula (8), R² is a 1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene group derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and T is a cyclohexane ring derived from cyclohexanedicarboxylate or a chemical equivalent thereof, and may comprise the cis-isomer, the trans-isomer, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing isomers.

The polyester-polycarbonates may have a weight-average molecular weight (M_(w)) of from about 1,500 to about 100,000, specifically from about 1,700 to about 50,000, and more specifically from about 2,000 to about 40,000. Molecular weight determinations are performed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), using a crosslinked styrene-divinylbenzene column and calibrated to polycarbonate references. Samples are prepared at a concentration of about 1 mg/ml, and are eluted at a flow rate of about 1.0 ml/min.

Where used, it is desirable for a polyester-polycarbonate to have an MVR of about 5 to about 150 cc/10 min., specifically about 7 to about 125 cc/10 min, more specifically about 9 to about 110 cc/10 min, and still more specifically about 10 to about 100 cc/10 min., measured at 300° C. and a load of 1.2 kilograms according to ASTM D1238-04. Commercial polyester blends with polycarbonate are marketed under the trade name XYLEX®, including for example XYLEX® X7300, and commercial polyester-polycarbonates are marketed under the tradename LEXAN® SLX polymers, including for example LEXAN® SLX-9000, and are available from SABIC Innovative Plastics.

The polycarbonate may also be a polysiloxane-polycarbonate copolymer, also referred to as a polysiloxane-polycarbonate. The polysiloxane (also referred to herein as “polydiorganosiloxane”) blocks of the copolymer comprise repeating siloxane units (also referred to herein as “diorganosiloxane units”) of formula (10):

wherein each occurrence of R is same or different, and is a C₁₋₁₃ monovalent organic radical. For example, R may independently be a C₁-C₁₃ alkyl group, C₁-C₁₃ alkoxy group, C₂-C₁₃ alkenyl group, C₂-C₁₃ alkenyloxy group, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl group, C₃-C₆ cycloalkoxy group, C₆-C₁₄ aryl group, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy group, C₇-C₁₃ arylalkyl group, C₇-C₁₃ arylalkoxy group, C₇-C₁₃ alkylaryl group, or C₇-C₁₃ alkylaryloxy group. The foregoing groups may be fully or partially halogenated with fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine, or a combination thereof. Combinations of the foregoing R groups may be used in the same copolymer.

The value of D in formula (10) may vary widely depending on the type and relative amount of each component in the polymer, the desired properties of the polymer, and like considerations. Generally, D may have an average value of 2 to 1,000, specifically 2 to 500, and more specifically 5 to 100. Where D is of a lower value, e.g., less than 40, it may be desirable to use a relatively larger amount of the polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer. Conversely, where D is of a higher value, e.g., greater than 40, it may be necessary to use a relatively lower amount of the polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer.

In one embodiment, the polydiorganosiloxane blocks are provided by repeating structural units of formula (11):

wherein D is as defined above; each R may independently be the same or different, and is as defined above; and each Ar may independently be the same or different, and is a substituted or unsubstituted C₆-C₃₀ arylene radical, wherein the bonds are directly connected to an aromatic moiety. Useful Ar groups in formula (11) may be derived from a C₆-C₃₀ dihydroxyarylene compound, for example a dihydroxyarylene compound of formula (3), (4), or (7) above. Combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing dihydroxyarylene compounds may also be used.

Units of formula (11) may be derived from the corresponding dihydroxy compound of formula (12):

wherein R, Ar, and D are as described above. Compounds of formula (12) may be obtained by the reaction of a dihydroxyarylene compound with, for example, an alpha, omega-bisacetoxypolydiorganosiloxane under phase transfer conditions.

In another embodiment, polydiorganosiloxane blocks comprise units of formula (13):

wherein R and D are as described above, and each occurrence of R⁴ is independently a divalent C₁-C₃₀ alkylene, and wherein the polymerized polysiloxane unit is the reaction residue of its corresponding dihydroxy compound. In a specific embodiment, the polydiorganosiloxane blocks are provided by repeating structural units of formula (14):

wherein R and D are as defined above. Each R⁵ in formula (14) is independently a divalent C₂-C₈ aliphatic group. Each M in formula (14) may be the same or different, and may be a halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₈ alkylthio, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₁-C₈ alkoxy, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy, C₇-C₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇-C₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇-C₁₂ alkylaryl, or C₇-C₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Units of formula (14) may be derived from the corresponding dihydroxy polydiorganosiloxane (15):

wherein R, D, M, R⁵, and n are as described above. Such dihydroxy polysiloxanes can be made by effecting a platinum catalyzed addition between a siloxane hydride of formula (16):

wherein R and D are as previously defined, and an aliphatically unsaturated monohydric phenol.

In an embodiment, the polysiloxane-polycarbonate may comprise polysiloxane units, and carbonate units derived from bisphenol-A, e.g., the dihydroxy compound of formula (3) in which each of A¹ and A² is p-phenylene and Y¹ is isopropylidene. Polysiloxane-polycarbonates may have a weight average molecular weight of 2,000 to 100,000, specifically 5,000 to 50,000 as measured by gel permeation chromatography using a crosslinked styrene-divinyl benzene column, at a sample concentration of 1 milligram per milliliter, and as calibrated with polycarbonate standards.

The polysiloxane-polycarbonate can have a melt volume flow rate, measured at 300° C. under a load of 1.2 kg, of 1 to 50 cubic centimeters per 10 minutes (cc/10 min), specifically 2 to 30 cc/10 min. Mixtures of polysiloxane-polycarbonates of different flow properties may be used to achieve the overall desired flow property. In an embodiment, exemplary polysiloxane-polycarbonates are marketed under the trade name LEXAN® EXL polycarbonates, available from SABIC Innovative Plastics.

The sheet further comprises at least two fluorescent dyes A and B. The term “fluorescent” refers to the emission of light by the dye, after absorbing light radiation, at a defined wavelength (due to the Stokes shift). By comparison, a non-fluorescent dye does not absorb the energy and re-emit it at a defined wavelength, but as heat (i.e. a broad band of radiation). The sheet comprises at least two dyes A and B. Dye A is a fluorescent dye of Formula (I). Dye B is either a perylene dye of Formula (II) or a diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III). The fluorescent dyes A and B are dispersed within or throughout the sheet. The term “dispersed” refers to the distribution of the dye within the thermoplastic polymer and is not intended to limit the means by which the dye is distributed within the polymer. In other words, the dye can be “dispersed” by means including dispersing, dissolving, doping, emulsifying, etc.

The dye A is a fluorescent dye of Formula (I) as shown below:

wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and substituted C₆-C₂₀ aryl; each R is independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, and halogen; m represents the number of R substitutents on each phenoxy ring, and each m is independently an integer from 0 to 5. Alkyl groups may be substituted with, for example, alkoxy, hydroxyl, and phenyl groups. Aryl groups may be substituted with alkyl, cyano, nitro, or halogen groups, and may have one or more such substituents.

In specific embodiments, each R is independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl. In more specific embodiments, the dye A is a fluorescent dye of Formula (Ia) as shown below:

wherein each R and each m is as described above; and each R′ is independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, and hydrogen. In other embodiments, each R′ is independently selected from C₁-C₅ alkyl. In some specific embodiments, each R′ is isopropyl.

The fluorescent dye of Formula (I) generally has a maximum absorption wavelength of from 520 nm to 600 nm. The fluorescent dye of Formula (I) may also have a maximum emission wavelength of from 600 nm to about 640 nm.

A dye particularly suited as the first fluorescent dye is Lumogen® F Red 300, which has the structure of Formula (Ib):

Lumogen® F Red 300 has a maximum absorption wavelength of 578 nanometers and a maximum emission wavelength of 613 nanometers (measured in ethylene dichloride). Lumogen® F Red 300 also has a high quantum yield of 98%.

Other exemplary fluorescent dyes of Formula (I) include the dyes of Formulas (Ic) and (Id):

The dye B may be a perylene dye of Formula (II):

wherein R³ is selected from C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and substituted C₆-C₂₀ aryl. Alkyl groups may be substituted with, for example, alkoxy, hydroxyl, and phenyl groups. Aryl groups may be substituted with alkyl, cyano, nitro, or halogen groups, and may have one or more such substituents.

In more specific embodiments, the perylene dye is a perylene dye of Formula (IIa):

wherein each R′ is independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, and hydrogen.

The perylene dye of Formula (II) may have a maximum absorption wavelength of from 400 nm to 520 nm, including from about 470 nm to about 490 nm.

In particular embodiments, the perylene dye of Formula (II) is a dye of Formula (IIb):

The dye B may also be a diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III):

wherein each R⁴ is independently selected from halogen, cyano, carbamoyl, C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and C₂-C₆ alkoxycarbonyl; and k represents the number of R⁴ substitutents on each phenyl ring, and each k is independently an integer from 0 to 5.

The diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III) may have a maximum absorption wavelength of from 400 nm to 535 nm, including from about 450 nm to about 500 nm.

In particular embodiments, the diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III) is a dye of Formula (IIIa):

This particular dye is also known as CI Pigment Red 254 or DPP Red 254, and is commercially available from Ciba-Geigy.

In specific embodiments, the sheet comprises a fluorescent dye of Formula (I) and a perylene dye of Formula (II). In other embodiments, the sheet comprises a fluorescent dye of Formula (I) and a diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III). Particular combinations include the dye of Formula (Ia) with the dye of Formula (IIa). Other particular combinations include the dye of Formula (I) with the dye of Formula (IIa) and the dye of Formula (Ib) with the dye of Formula (IIIa).

Desirably, the dye B has a maximum emission wavelength that is within the absorption range of the fluorescent dye A of Formula (I). By using blends of such dyes, a “dye cascade” is formed where the emission of one dye is absorbed by another dye. This dye cascade causes light over a greater range of wavelengths to be shifted to longer wavelengths. As discussed further herein, light energy converters are typically most efficient at longer wavelengths. The dye cascade thus increases the amount of light energy captured and converted to electricity by the LSC.

The dye A and dye B together are generally used in amounts of from about 0.001 to 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the sheet. In more specific embodiments, the dye A and dye B together comprise from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent of the sheet. In addition, the weight ratio of the dye A to the dye B is from about 1 to about 5. In more specific embodiments, the weight ratio of dye A to the dye B is from 2 to 4.

In the luminescent solar collector, a sheet or panel as described above is operatively connected to a light energy converter, such as a photovoltaic cell, or photocell. The photocell converts the light energy into electrical energy. Several different types of photocells may be used. Suitable bulk technology photocells include amorphous silicon cells, multicrystalline silicon cells, and monocrystalline silicon cells. Suitable thin film technology photocells include cadmium telluride cells, copper indium selenide cells, gallium arsenide or indium selenide cells, and copper indium gallium selenide cells. In specific embodiments, the photocell is a multicrystalline silicon photocell or a monocrystalline silicon photocell.

Generally, each type of photocell has a “sweet spot”, or a range of wavelengths (light energy) which it converts most efficiently into electric energy. The photocell should be selected so that its sweet spot matches, as much as possible, the light emitted by the sheet of the LSC. For example, the sweet spot of a multicrystalline silicon photocell or a monocrystalline silicon photocell is from about 700 nanometers to about 1100 nanometers.

The luminescent solar collectors of the present disclosure achieve enhanced efficiency by capturing greater amounts of light energy using the dye compounds of Formulas (I), (II), and (III). The sheet of the solar collector may have an edge emission output of about 350 W/m² or greater when measured using a sheet of dimensions 60 mm×60 mm×3.2 mm and exposed to a radiation intensity of about 1000 W/m². In further specific embodiments, such as a dual-layer sheet, the edge emission output may be about 370 W/m² or greater. When measured, the sheet should have a smooth, high gloss surface; in other words, the surface should not be textured. The surface may have a 60 degree gloss generally greater than about 95. The term “sheet” should not be construed as limiting the method by which the thermoplastic part is manufactured. The sheet may be extruded, injection molded, or otherwise formed, as described further below. A sheet or plaque of the correct dimensions may be used to measure the edge emission output.

The sheet may also be a multi-layer sheet such as the dual-layer sheet shown in FIG. 3, comprising a first layer and a second layer. In such embodiments, the first layer comprises a first thermoplastic polymer and a fluorescent dye A of Formula (I), while the second layer comprises a second thermoplastic polymer and a dye B, wherein dye B is the perylene dye of Formula (II) or the diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III), as described above. The sheet is configured so that the light radiated by the first fluorescent dye and the dye compound of Formula (II) or (III) is transmitted to the light energy converter (e.g. the photocell). Again, such embodiments allow a “dye cascade” that captures more of the light energy to which the sheet is exposed. The first and second thermoplastic polymers may both be polycarbonate polymers, either the same polymer or different polymers (though generally the same).

In addition to the components described hereinabove, the sheet may further include various other additives ordinarily incorporated with thermoplastic compositions of this type, with the proviso that the additives are selected so as not to adversely affect the desired properties of the thermoplastic composition. Mixtures of additives may be used. Such additives may be mixed at a suitable time during the mixing of the components for forming the thermoplastic composition.

The sheet may comprise additional fluorescent dyes and/or quantum dots. Exemplary dyes include the daylight fluorescent-type dyes that belong to the dye families known as rhodamines, fluoresceins, coumarins, naphthalimides, benzoxanthenes, perylenes, pyrenes, acridines, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. Examples include luminescent dyes such as 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin; 3-(2′-benzothiazolyl)-7-diethylaminocoumarin; 2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-(4-t-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole; 2,5-bis-(4-biphenylyl)-oxazole; 2,2′-dimethyl-p-quaterphenyl; 2,2-dimethyl-p-terphenyl; 3,5,3″″,5″″-tetra-t-butyl-p-quinquephenyl; 2,5-diphyenylfuran; 2,5-diphenyloxazole; 4,4′-diphenylstilbene; 4-dicyanomethylene-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran; 1,1′-diethyl-2,2′-carbocyanine iodide; 3,3′-diethyl-4,4′,5,5′-dibenzothiatricarbocyanine iodide; 7-dimethylamino-1-methyl-4-methoxy-8-azaquinolone-2; 7-dimethylamino-4-methylquinolone-2; 2-(4-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-1,3-butadienyl)-3-ethylbenzothiazolium perchlorate; 3-diethylamino-7-diethyliminophenoxazonium perchlorate; 2-(1-naphthyl)-5-phenyloxazole; 2,2′-p-phenylen-bis(5-phenyloxazole); rhodamine 700; rhodamine 800; pyrene; chrysene; rubrene; coronene, or the like; perylene dyes such as those based on imido derivatives of perylene tetracarboxylic acid; or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing dyes. Suppliers of fluorescent colorants include Radiant Color Company (Richmond, Calif.), Day-Glo Color Corp. (Cleveland, Ohio), Sun Chemical Co. (Cincinnati, Ohio). Sinloihi Co. Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan), Swada (London, England), Mikuni Color Works Ltd. (Himeji, Japan), Matsui International Co, Inc (Japan), Nippon Keiko Color Company (Japan). Specifically useful fluorescent dyes include those available under the following tradenames: Diaresin® dyes from Mitsubishi Chemical (Japan); Lumogen® dyes from BASF (Germany), Irgalite® and Maxilon® dyes from Ciba Specialty Chemicals (Germany), Macrolex® dyes from Lanxess (Germany), and Hostasol® dyes from Clariant. Typical commercially available fluorescent dyes of the above types include amino phthalate dyes such as Rhodamine BDC (C.I. 45,170), Rhodamine 6GDN extra (C.I. 45,160; Red 480), Rhodamine F5G (Red 482), Rhodamine FB (Red 540), and Rhodamine F3B (C.I. 45,175); naphthalimide derivatives such as Lumogen® F Blue 650; perylene derivatives such as Lumogen® F Red 305; Lumogen® F Yellow 083; Lumogen® F Violet 570; Lumogen® F Green 850; Macrolex® Fluorescent Yellow 10GN (C.I. Solvent Yellow 160:1); Macrolex® Red G; Irgalite® Violet M, Maxilon® Brilliant Flavine 10GFF, Maxilon® Black FBL-01, Maxilon® Black RM-01, Maxilon® Blue 5G, Maxilon® Blue 5G-01, Maxilon® Blue GRL/Pearl, Maxilon® Blue GRL Granulated, Maxilon® Blue GRL E, Maxilon® Blue M-G, Maxilon® Blue TRL Liquid, Maxilon® Golden Yellow GL Pearls, Maxilon® Navy FRL-02, Maxilon® Red GRL-01 Pearl, Maxilon® Red GRL-E, Maxilon® Red GRL Pearls, Maxilon® Red M-4GL, Maxilon® Yellow M-3RL, and Maxilon® Yellow M-4GL; Hostasol® Red 5B (Vat Red 41), Hostasol® Red GG (Solvent Orange 63), and Hostasol® Yellow 3G (Solvent Yellow 98); Fluorescent yellow F6PN and Yellow Y toner; Fluorescent Red 66; fluorescein; and 9-aminoacridine. It will be understood that numerous fluorescent dyes are available commercially and are useful herein, and that therefore the foregoing list of fluorescent dyes should be considered exemplary, and not limiting to the dyes disclosed hereinabove. Quantum dots are inorganic fluorescent materials having particle sizes in the range of from about 2 nanometers to about 100 nanometers and may be considered interchangeable with fluorescent dyes. The fluorescent dye/quantum dot is generally dispersed completely throughout the sheet.

The fluorescent dye may be covalently bonded to a polymeric backbone to provide a polymer-supported fluorescent dye, and may also be referred to as dye conjugates. Such dye conjugates are useful to provide a fluorescent dye that is predispersed, i.e., one that is distributed throughout the polymer and which can provide a maximum fluorescence due to the more uniform dispersion. Dyes which are not so dispersed may aggregate or clump, and thereby decrease the effective loading of the dye based on the desired linear relationship between the fluorescent intensity and dye loading. Further, aromatic dyes, such as for example pyrene-based dyes, can when held proximate to one another form dimeric complexes (“excimers”) that can have a shifted absorbance and/or fluorescent emission wavelength and intensity relative to the parent non-dimeric dye. Distributing the fluorescent dye along a polymer backbone by covalent bonding can, in addition to the advantages enumerated hereinabove, be used as a method to reduce or eliminate excimer formation. Fluorescent dyes that are useful for preparing dye conjugates include those having reactive functional groups capable of forming a covalent bond with a useful monomer or functional polymer or functional resin. Exemplary reactive groups provided by the fluorescent dye include phenolic hydroxy, aliphatic hydroxy, aromatic amine, aliphatic amine, thiols, carboxylic acid, and carboxylate esters. It will be understood that the foregoing list of reactive groups is meant to be exemplary, and should not be limited thereto.

Further functionalization of these functional fluorescent dyes, to provide reactive derivatives, can further increase the reactive usefulness of the fluorescent dye so functionalized. Reactive substituents can be formed by covalently reacting functional agents such as, for example, reactive derivatives of (meth)acrylic acid such as (meth)acryloyl chloride; carbonyl dihalides such as phosgene; thiocarbonyl dihalides such as thiophosgene; maleic anhydride; chloroformates including alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl chloroformates, epichlorohydrin; or the like; to the above functional dyes to provide suitable reactive groups. In an exemplary embodiment, useful functionalized fluorescent dyes include functional groups such as (meth)acrylates, (meth)acrylamides, N-hydroxysuccinimidyl (NHS) esters, isocyanates, isothiocyanates, maleimides, chloroformates, anhydrides, mixed anhydrides, epoxides, and the like. Polymeric backbone supports for such dyes can include linear polymers, crosslinked polymers, dendrimers, graft copolymers, block copolymers including two or more blocks, end group modified polymers, hyperbranched copolymers, telechelic oligomers, or the like. Useful backbone polymers typically includes poly(meth)acrylic homopolymers or copolymers including poly(meth)acrylates, poly(meth)acrylamides, and the like; poly(vinyl aromatic) polymers and copolymers, including polystyrenes, copolymers thereof, and the like; polyvinyl polymers such as poly(vinyl acetate) or poly(vinyl alcohol), copolymers thereof, and the like; poly(alkylene oxide)s, copolymers thereof, and the like. In an embodiment, the functionalized fluorescent dye is attached to a polymer by reaction of the functional dye with a complementarily functionalized polymer. In another embodiment, the functionalized fluorescent dye having a polymerizable end group such as a (meth)acrylate or epoxide can be copolymerized with other monomers or reactive oligomers to provide a polymer-supported fluorescent dye. Other polymeric backbones that may be used as backbone support include polyesters, polycarbonates, polyimides, carbohydrate materials including substituted or unsubstituted cellulosic materials, polysaccharides, dextrins, aminosugars, and the like; proteins; or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing polymers. In an embodiment, the polymer-supported fluorescent dyes include fluorescent dyes incorporated into the polymeric backbone in an amount of 0.5 to 50 wt %, specifically 1 to 45 wt %, and more specifically 5 to 40 wt %, based on the total weight of the fluorescent dye and polymer backbone.

A fluorescent brightener can also be included with the fluorescent dye. Fluorescent brighteners include fluorescent compounds which, when combined with a dye having relatively low fluorescence, act to increase the intensity of the fluorescent emissions from the dye combination. In an embodiment, a fluorescent brightener is used in combination with a blue fluorescent dye. Exemplary fluorescent brighteners include those marketed under the tradename Uvitex® and available from Ciba Specialty Chemicals, or DIPHYL® and BLANKOPHOR® available from Lanxess. In a specific exemplary embodiment, a useful combination of a blue dye and fluorescent brightener includes Uvitex® OB, available from Ciba Specialty Chemicals, as fluorescent brightener. It will be understood that the foregoing fluorescent brightener is exemplary and should not be considered as limiting thereto. When used, a fluorescent brightener may be included in an amount of from about 0.005 weight percent to about 25 weight percent, specifically from about 0.01 weight percent to about 20 weight percent, and more specifically from about 0.015 weight percent to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the sheet it is in.

Further non-limiting examples of additives that may be included in the sheet and/or the polymer layers include optical effects filler, antioxidant, heat stabilizer, light stabilizer, ultraviolet light absorber, plasticizer, mold release agent, lubricant, antistatic agent, flame retardant, anti-drip agent, gamma stabilizer, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing additives. Each of these additives can be present in amounts of from about 0.0001 to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the sheet and/or layer the additive is in.

The sheet may be manufactured by methods generally available in the art. For example, in one embodiment, in one manner of proceeding, powdered polycarbonate, dye A, and dye B are first blended in a HENSCHEL-Mixer® high speed mixer. Other low shear processes including but not limited to hand mixing may also accomplish this blending. The blend is then fed into the throat of an extruder via a hopper. Alternatively, one or more of the components may be incorporated into the composition by feeding directly into the extruder at the throat and/or downstream through a sidestuffer. The two dyes can be added either as a powder or as a solution in a suitable solvent. Generally, the dyes can be distributed within the polycarbonate using any means which accomplish the purpose, such as by dispersion. Additives may also be compounded into a masterbatch with a desired polymeric resin and fed into the extruder. The extruder is generally operated at a temperature higher than that necessary to cause the composition to flow. The extrudate is immediately quenched in a water batch and pelletized. The pellets, so prepared, when cutting the extrudate may be one-fourth inch long or less as desired. Such pellets may be used for subsequent molding, shaping, or forming. The sheet and/or polymer layers may be molded from the thermoplastic composition by a variety of means such as injection molding, extrusion, rotational molding, blow molding and thermoforming. In a specific embodiment, molding is done by injection molding.

In other embodiments, a dye mixture of at least two fluorescent dyes A and B may be formed. Again, dye A is a fluorescent dye of Formula (I), while dye B is either a perylene dye of Formula (II) or a diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III). The dye mixture may be included in a coating or a thin film.

In yet other embodiments, a construct comprises a transparent substrate and a dye attached thereto. The dye is selected from the group consisting of a fluorescent dye of Formula (I), a perylene dye of Formula (II), and a diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III). In more specific embodiments, the transparent substrate is a glass substrate. The substrate may be considered transparent if it has a haze level of 25% or less, when measured using a molded article of 3.2±0.12 millimeters thickness and consisting of the substrate, according to ASTM D1003-00. In more particular embodiments, the transparent substrate has a haze level of 15% or less. The dye may be attached to the transparent substrate by several means. For example, the dye may be placed in a coating, and the substrate coated with the coating. The dye could also be placed in a thin film which is extruded and then glued or otherwise attached to the substrate. The resulting construct may be useful a decoration or other aesthetic item, as part of a luminescent solar collector, or as a light concentrator for lighting purposes.

The following examples are provided to illustrate the luminescent solar collectors of the present disclosure. The examples are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit devices made in accordance with the disclosure to the materials, conditions, or process parameters set forth therein.

EXAMPLES Equipment

During compound synthesis, the compounds of Formula (I) were separated using a liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) system comprising a liquid chromatograph and a Quattro® Ultima Pt mass spectrometer. An Xterra® C18 (50 mm×4.6 mm; 5 microns) column was used for the separating the components by liquid chromatography.

Proton NMR spectra were measured using a 300 MHz Bruker® NMR spectrometer. CDCl₃ was used as the recording solvent.

The absorption spectra and extinction coefficient were measured using a double beam Perkins-Elmer® Lambda 900 UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. Measurements were made in toluene or CHCl₃.

The emission spectra and quantum yield were measured with a Horiba Jobin Yvon Fluorolog®-3 fluorescence spectrophotometer, Model No: FL3-211. Measurements were made in toluene.

The decomposition temperature was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using a Q10 series machine from TA Instruments. The increase in temperature was 10° C./minute.

A solar simulator (PET SS200B simulator with a class B xenon lamp) illuminated each chip under AM1 illumination (air mass 1.5 spectral curve) and a power of 1000 W/m² for an area of 200 mm×200 mm. A calibrated Ocean Optics HD200 spectrophotometer (range 380 nm to 1100 nm, resolution of 0.5 nm) with an optical fibre probe and attached collimating lens was used to determine the intensity of the edge emission per area (W/m²). The spectrophotometer was calibrated over 300 nm to 1050 nm using a bulb with a 3100K color temperature.

Example 1

Lumogen® F Red 300 fluorescent dye was molded into plaques, and the plaques were tested for their edge emission output. Plaques were formed by mixing a polycarbonate with Lumogen® F Red 300 at loadings of 200 ppm and 500 ppm. The polycarbonate was a bisphenol-A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 60,000 versus polystyrene standards and a polydispersity of 2.1 to 2.3. The polycarbonate and dye were placed in a zip-lock polyethylene bag and shaken vigorously for about 3-4 minutes. The mixture was then extruded to produce pellets. The extruded pellets were dried in an oven at 120° C. for about 6 hours, then molded using an LTM-Demag molding machine into square plaques of 60 mm×60 mm, with 3.2 mm thickness.

The plaques were placed under a solar simulator (1000 W/m²) and their transmission spectra were measured over a range of 400 nanometers to 1000 nanometers. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the transmission spectra of the plaques with 200 ppm loading compared to 500 ppm loading over a range of 400 nm to 700 nm. The y-axis reflects the amount of energy transmitted, i.e. not absorbed by the plaque. At 200 ppm loading, the Lumogen® F Red 300 had poor absorption at a window of about 480 nm. This is significant because visible light is generally within the range of 400 nm to 700 nm. At 500 ppm, the window about 480 nm still existed, but was significantly smaller than at the 200 ppm loading.

Example 2 Synthesis of Formula (IIb)

In a 250 mL round bottom flask perylene dianhydride (7.5 grams, 19.2 mmol), 18 mL water, 2,6-diisopropyl aniline (2.25 grams, 12.7 mmol), imidazole (38 grams, 558.2 mmol), and zinc acetate dihydrate (2.5 grams, 11.4 mmol) were mixed together and heated to 190° C. for 22 hours. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature. Next, 75 mL chloroform was added and the mixture was stirred again for 2 hours. The resulting slurry was filtered through a glass sinter funnel. The filtrate was concentrated and evaporated to dryness. The crude solid was then purified by silica gel column chromatography using a hexane-dichloromethane mixture (5 to 50%), and the yield was 1.1 grams (˜11%).

¹H NMR (CDCl³): 8.70-8.67 (d, 2H), 8.52-8.47 (t, 4H), 7.96-7.94 (d, 2H), 7.70-7.66 (t, 2H), 7.53-7.48 (t, 1H), 7.38-7.36 (d, 2H), 2.81-2.76 (m, 2H), 1.21 (s, 12H).

Example 3

Plaques containing varying amounts of Lumogen® F Red 300 and the perylene dye of Formula (IIb) were made using the same method as in Example 1. For comparison, a plaque was also made containing Lumogen® F Red 300 and Solvent Yellow 114, another dye that had a maximum absorption wavelength around 480 nm. Solvent Yellow 114 has the structure:

Again, the plaques were placed under a solar simulator (˜1000 W/m²) and their transmission spectra were measured over a range of 400 nanometers to 1000 nanometers. Table 1 shows the results.

TABLE 1 Edge Emission Plaque Composition of dyes in the plaque (W/m²) 1 500 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 370 2 200 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 + 380 50 ppm Formula (IIb) 3 200 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 + 378 100 ppm Formula (IIb) 4 200 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 + 375 150 ppm Formula (IIb) 5 200 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 + 352 200 ppm Formula (IIb) 6 200 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 + 229 200 ppm Solvent Yellow 114 7 100 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 + 290 100 ppm Formula (IIb) 8 200 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 341 9 200 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 337

As seen in Table 1, Plaques 2, 3, and 4 had higher edge emission outputs than Plaque 1 at lower loadings of fluorescent dye. Unexpectedly, Plaque 2 had the best edge emission output, even though Plaques 3 and 4 had greater amounts of Formula (IIb). In other words, a further increase in the amount of Formula (IIb) did not provide higher edge emission output. FIG. 5 shows the transmission spectra of Plaques 2, 3, and 4. The peak around 480 nm is gone, i.e. it has been absorbed by the dye of Formula (IIb).

Comparing Plaques 1, 2, 8, and 9 showed that adding small amounts of Formula (IIb) increased edge emission output better than just increasing the amount of Lumogen® F Red 300.

Also, simply adding a fluorescent dye that absorbed wavelengths in the window around 480 nm did not necessarily increase the edge emission output, as seen in Plaques 5 and 6. In Plaque 6, the edge emission dropped. In other words, choosing the proper dye was also important in increasing edge emission output. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the transmission spectra for Plaques 5, 6, and 9 as comparison, and not all dyes increased edge emission output.

Example 5

Plaques containing varying amounts of Lumogen® F Red 300 and DPP Red 254 (corresponding to the dye of Formula (IIIa)) were made. The plaques were placed under a solar simulator (˜1000 W/m²) and their transmission spectra were measured over a range of 400 nanometers to 1000 nanometers. Table 2 shows the results.

TABLE 2 Edge Emission Plaque Composition of dyes in the plaque (W/m²) 10 500 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 346 11 200 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 + 365 50 ppm DPP Red 254 12 200 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 + 349 100 ppm DPP Red 254 13 200 ppm DPP Red 254 241

Again, Plaques 11 and 12 had higher edge emission output than Plaque 10 at lower dye loadings, and adding a higher amount of DPP Red 254 did not increase edge emission further. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the transmission spectra for Plaques 10-13 for comparison.

Although Plaques 1 and 10 were identical, their edge emission differed because the output of the solar simulator was not constant. As a result, it was generally necessary to measure all samples in a series and compare them to a standard made at the same time. Because the results of Table 1 and Table 2 were made at different times, the edge emissions between the two tables cannot be compared with each other; only the edge emissions within each table can be compared to each other.

Example 6

Plaques containing varying amounts of the dye of Formulas (Ic) or (Id) with the dye of Formula (IIb) were made. The plaques were placed under a solar simulator (˜1000 W/m²) and their transmission spectra were measured over a range of 400 nanometers to 1000 nanometers. Table 3 shows the results.

TABLE 3 Edge Emission Plaque Composition of dyes in the plaque (W/m²) 14 500 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 355 15 185 ppm Formula (Ic) + 50 ppm Formula (IIb) 362 16 276 ppm Formula (Id) + 47 ppm Formula (IIb) 352 17 203 ppm Lumogen ® F Red 300 317

Plaque 15 had higher edge emission output than Plaque 14 at lower dye loadings, while Plaque 16 had comparable edge emission output with Plaque 14, also at lower loadings. In other words, the proper mix of fluorescent dyes could achieve a higher edge emission at lower loadings than simply increasing the amount of Lumogen® F Red 300. Generally, using approximately the same loading of a fluorescent dye of Formula (I) along with a small amount of a perylene dye of Formula (II) achieved a significantly higher edge emission than the same amount of Lumogen® F Red 300 alone (Plaque 17) and a similar edge emission as a sample having about 2.5 times the amount of Lumogen® F Red 300 alone (Plaque 14).

The luminescent solar collectors and other devices of the present disclosure have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiments be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 

1. A luminescent solar collector comprising a sheet and a light energy converter operatively connected to the sheet; the sheet comprising a thermoplastic polymer and dispersed therein at least two dyes A and B; wherein dye A is a fluorescent dye of Formula (I) and dye B is either a perylene dye of Formula (II) or a diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III):

wherein R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected from C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and substituted C₆-C₂₀ aryl; each R is independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, and halogen; m represents the number of R substitutents on each phenoxy ring, and each m is independently an integer from 0 to 5; each R⁴ is independently selected from halogen, cyano, carbamoyl, C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and C₂-C₆ alkoxycarbonyl; k represents the number of R⁴ substitutents on each phenyl ring, and each k is independently an integer from 0 to 5; wherein the two dyes A and B each absorb light and radiate the absorbed light at a longer wavelength, and the sheet is configured to transmit the radiated light to the light energy converter; wherein the two dyes A and B together comprise from 0.001 to 1 weight percent of the sheet, and the weight ratio of dye A to dye B is from about 1 to about 5; and wherein dye A has a maximum absorption wavelength of from 520 nm to 600 nm, and dye B has a maximum absorption wavelength of from 400 nm to 540 nm.
 2. A luminescent solar collector comprising a sheet and a light energy converter operatively connected to the sheet; the sheet comprising a thermoplastic polymer and dispersed therein at least two dyes A and B; wherein dye A is a fluorescent dye of Formula (I) and dye B is either a perylene dye of Formula (II) or a diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III):

wherein R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected from C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and substituted C₆-C₂₀ aryl; each R is independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, and halogen; m represents the number of R substitutents on each phenoxy ring, and each m is independently an integer from 0 to 5; each R⁴ is independently selected from halogen, cyano, carbamoyl, C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and C₂-C₆ alkoxycarbonyl; k represents the number of R⁴ substitutents on each phenyl ring, and each k is independently an integer from 0 to 5; wherein the two dyes A and B each absorb light and radiate the absorbed light at a longer wavelength, and the sheet is configured to transmit the radiated light to the light energy converter; wherein the two dyes A and B together comprise from 0.001 to 1 weight percent of the sheet, and the weight ratio of dye A to dye B is from 2 to
 4. 3. A luminescent solar collector comprising a sheet and a light energy converter operatively connected to the sheet; the sheet comprising a thermoplastic polymer and dispersed therein at least two dyes A and B; wherein dye A is a fluorescent dye of Formula (I) and dye B is either a perylene dye of Formula (II) or a diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III):

wherein R¹, R², and R³ are independently selected from C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and substituted C₆-C₂₀ aryl; each R is independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, and halogen; m represents the number of R substitutents on each phenoxy ring, and each m is independently an integer from 0 to 5; each R⁴ is independently selected from halogen, cyano, carbamoyl, C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and C₂-C₆ alkoxycarbonyl; k represents the number of R⁴ substitutents on each phenyl ring, and each k is independently an integer from 0 to 5; wherein the two dyes A and B each absorb light and radiate the absorbed light at a longer wavelength, and the sheet is configured to transmit the radiated light to the light energy converter; wherein the two dyes A and B together comprise from 0.001 to 1 weight percent of the sheet, and the weight ratio of dye A to dye B is from about 1 to about 5; and wherein the luminescent solar collector has an edge emission output of about 350 W/m² or greater when measured using a sheet of dimensions 60 mm×60 mm×3.2 mm and exposed to a radiation intensity of about 1000 W/m².
 4. A luminescent solar collector comprising a sheet and a light energy converter operatively connected to the sheet; the sheet comprising a thermoplastic polymer and dispersed therein at least two dyes A and B; wherein dye A is:

and dye B is either a perylene dye of Formula (II) or a diketopyrrolopyrrole dye of Formula (III):

wherein R³ is independently selected from C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and substituted C₆-C₂₀ aryl; each R⁴ is independently selected from halogen, cyano, carbamoyl, C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and C₂-C₆ alkoxycarbonyl; k represents the number of R⁴ substitutents on each phenyl ring, and each k is independently an integer from 0 to 5; wherein the two dyes A and B each absorb light and radiate the absorbed light at a longer wavelength, and the sheet is configured to transmit the radiated light to the light energy converter; wherein the two dyes A and B together comprise from 0.001 to 1 weight percent of the sheet, and the weight ratio of dye A to dye B is from about 1 to about
 5. 5. A luminescent solar collector comprising a sheet and a light energy converter operatively connected to the sheet; the sheet comprising a thermoplastic polymer and dispersed therein at least two dyes A and B; wherein dye A is a fluorescent dye of Formula (I):

wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₆-C₁₈ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, and substituted C₆-C₂₀ aryl; each R is independently selected from C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₈ alkoxy, and halogen; m represents the number of R substitutents on each phenoxy ring, and each m is independently an integer from 0 to 5; wherein dye B is either:

wherein the two dyes A and B each absorb light and radiate the absorbed light at a longer wavelength, and the sheet is configured to transmit the radiated light to the light energy converter; wherein the two dyes A and B together comprise from 0.001 to 1 weight percent of the sheet, and the weight ratio of dye A to dye B is from about 1 to about
 5. 6. A luminescent solar collector comprising a sheet and a light energy converter operatively connected to the sheet; the sheet comprising a thermoplastic polymer and dispersed therein at least two dyes A and B; wherein the dye A is Formula (Ib) and the dye B is Formula (IIb): 